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Wardrobing, Styling, and Living

The Fresh Cut

Ask any lady and she’ll tell you that the day she goes to the salon is the best day ever.
You could be in your gym clothes, with no makeup on, and that new ‘do makes you feel like a million bucks!
A new cut & color makes you want to go run errands just to show off your fabulous hair
and you wouldn’t mind going to a restaurant by yourself ’cause damn you look good.

A new hairstyle can do a lot for a girl’s morale
and with the new year just starting out, my BFF and I decided to visit my favorite stylist for a fresh look.
We each went in very different directions, but I think its appropriate considering where our styles were coming from and what we hoped to get out of 2015.

Here’s what we looked like in October 2014:
Between then and our appointment our hair had grown out (and so had our roots) and the color had faded.
Basically, we were ready for a change!

Keisha wanted to transition into a lighter shade of brown. Her previous color was very dark and harsh against her porcelain complexion. She wanted to get back to a more natural, professional color that would allow her to transition into a lighter, honey brown over time.

As for me, I had spent all my life playing it safe with my hair color. This year, I wanted to have fun (yet remain professional) by incorporating a subtle color, like rosé. I felt that this hue would not be too obnoxious in the workplace, but would allow me to add personal flair to my appearance.

So last Thursday we made our way over to Douglas Carroll Salon to visit my favorite stylist, Bren Anderson.
Bren is seriously a hair genius. If I am ever doubting my hair idea or need a new perspective, Bren is there with words of wisdom and his magic scissors. He knows how to work with my (or anyone’s) hair type, face shape, and lifestyle.
Upon arrival, we chatted for a few about what we were going for and he laid out the game plan. Keisha and I took our places in the hydraulic chairs and were ready for action!

First comes the processing to take our hair lighter.

Then Bren mixes up the color!

One of my favorite parts that was not photographed is when they shampoo your hair. It is so relaxing!

Finally, color is done and it’s time for a cut.
Bren can be a bit of a perfectionist, but that’s why I love him.
He likes to cut the basic shape/length while the hair is wet, then go back after it’s dried to do the details.
Bren never lets you walk out without your hair perfectly styled.
Finally, after five hours in the chair, we’re done! Don’t we look amazing.

But we’re not done. It’s time for a mini make-up session!
Douglas Carroll Salon offers a variety of services, from cuts & color to massages & facials.
We met with make-up master Betty Mekonnen, currently the most published make-up artist in America.
Betty is wonderful. Next time you have a wedding to attend or a big date, go see her!

After leaving the salon, we met up with our good friend & coworker Megan for a little photo shoot.
Here are some of my favorite shots.As you can see, our ensembles reflect our new hair ‘do.
I selected an outfit of soft pastels to match my rosé hair
and Keisha dressed in a neutral color pallet to highlight her lighter locks.We had a lot of silly shots in between the serious ones. When you’re shooting with your best friend, it’s hard to keep a straight face the whole time. Some of the laughs were fake, that then led to real laughs. Other times we were simply having fun.And we can’t forget the shoes! Keisha wears Sam & Libby for Target and I’m wearing Cole Haan.We took all of the photographs at Fred Fletcher Park. It is a beautiful area with winding walkways and two really cool historic buildings. We shot a few images in front of this old home.

All in all, it was an exciting day and we couldn’t wait to show off our fresh cuts at work the following day.
Next time you go in for a hair cut, try giving your stylist a general direction or parameters and let he/she do what they do best. Trust is essential in a relationship with your stylist. Your hair is in their hands! Furthermore, honesty is a must. Do not fib about your hair care routine or your satisfaction.

I absolutely loved what Bren did with my hair, but I left wanting more pink.
He understood and told me to let him know if I wanted to amp up the color.
Since I had to keep work in mind, it was better to start subtle rather than go crazy and it be far from professional.
So yesterday I went back and he added more color! The end result was exactly what I was looking for: pink, but not too pink, and noticeable but not in-your-face.